Fibromyalgia Medications that Work

Doctors prescribe various types of medications for fibromyalgia treatment. While medications can help relieve the pain, they likely won't eliminate the pain entirely. But they can make life with fibromyalgia much better -- helping you sleep restfully, easing depression and anxiety, and improving your overall sense of well-being.

As you discuss medications with your doctor, ask questions. Some medications work better than others as a fibromyalgia treatment. Some have serious side effects, including potential for addiction.

Because no fibromyalgia medication will provide all the relief you need, work closely with your doctor. You need a complete treatment plan that also involves lifestyle changes -- all geared to help you feel better.

Seizure Medicine (Anticonvulsants)

• Lyrica (pregabalin) is a new fibromyalgia treatment -- an anticonvulsant that is the only FDA-approved medication for fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also approved for reducing some types of seizures, and for treating nerve pain caused by shingles and diabetes. Clinical trials show that Lyrica reduces pain and improves daily functioning in many people with fibromyalgia. The most common side effects included mild to moderate dizziness and sleepiness.
• Another antiseizure medication called Neurontin (gabapentin) has also been studied as a fibromyalgia medication. It is not FDA-approved for fibromyalgia.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help relieve pain and promote better-quality sleep, even if you aren't depressed. They are typically prescribed in low doses for fibromyalgia treatment.

• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Amitril or Elavil (amitriptyline), Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline), or trazodone (Desyrel) appear to have multiple positive effects in relieving fibromyalgia. These drugs work with the serotonin and norepinephrine nerve transmitters in the brain. They have been found to relieve muscle pain and spasm, and improve deep restorative sleep. However, they may have side effects like weight gain, dizziness, tiredness, and dry mouth. 
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), or Zoloft (sertraline) may reduce depression and fatigue, and help manage pain by increasing the serotonin in the brain. 
• Research suggests that adding Prozac (fluoxetine) to low-dose Amitril or Elavil (amitriptyline) reduces muscle pain, anxiety, and depression in fibromyalgia patients. The combination helps promote restful sleep and improve overall well-being -- helping patients feel less fatigued, more cheerful, and alert. 
• An SSRI like Prozac and tricyclic antidepressant like Elavil are often prescribed together to reduce muscle pain, anxiety, and depression -- and improve sleep as well as overall sense of well-being. 
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) -- known as mixed (or dual) reuptake inhibitors -- may help relieve fibromyalgia pain and depression, and improve functioning. Cymbalta (duloxetine), Desyrel (trazodonel), and Effexor (venlafaxine) have shown promise.